<![CDATA[Julie’s Substack: Seats of Change]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/s/seats-of-changehttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CaV3!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3028a96e-5886-45ef-aafc-62f8a9c088ef_144x144.pngJulie’s Substack: Seats of Changehttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/s/seats-of-changeSubstackTue, 21 Apr 2026 04:41:06 GMT<![CDATA[Border towns, closures, and relationships with Josh Acevedo]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/border-towns-closures-and-relationshipshttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/border-towns-closures-and-relationshipsTue, 07 Apr 2026 10:02:58 GMTIn this episode, Josh Acevedo, a former board member from El Paso, Texas, walks us through the realities of life and governing in border towns, how communities who live on the “other” side of the highway are sometimes treated, the challenges of doing doctoral research in the community you serve, community engagement during school closures, how interest convergence can be used to make policy changes, superintendent and board member relationships, and how every vote really matters in local elections.

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]]><![CDATA[Identity politics, skullduggery, and COVID with Marco Pérez]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/identity-politics-marco-perezhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/identity-politics-marco-perezTue, 17 Mar 2026 10:02:07 GMTIn this episode, Marco Pérez from Hamilton County, Tennessee joins us to talk about a heated campaign, identity politics and personal attacks, wonky local laws like skullduggery, the decision-making process during the COVID pandemic, and benefits and challenges to serving as a board member with teachers (and employees in the district) in your family. https://seatsofchange.substack.com/

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]]><![CDATA[Supporting board candidates with Shu-Yen Wei]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/supporting-board-candidates-withhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/supporting-board-candidates-withTue, 03 Mar 2026 11:01:40 GMTJoin us as Shu-Yen Wei from Run for Something walks us through the campaign process, what potential school board members should think about and what steps they should take even before “pulling papers.” We discuss the campaign trail, additional complexities of being parents/caregivers, and the importance of coalition building during the campaign and during service.

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]]><![CDATA[Cultivating student perspectives with Connor Moeykens]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/cultivating-student-perspectiveshttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/cultivating-student-perspectivesTue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:59 GMTIn this episode, we talk with Connor Moeykens, a high school senior and student board member in Orono, Maine. Connor shares about the roles and structures which govern his work on the school board, the importance of student stakeholder engagement, the need for supporting board members onboard, and how student board members change the dynamic of adult board members. Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

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]]><![CDATA[Cultivating student perspectives with Connor Moeykens]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/cultivating-student-perspectives-cadhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/cultivating-student-perspectives-cadTue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:27 GMTIn this episode, we talk with Connor Moeykens, high school senior and student board member in Orono, Maine. Connor shares about the roles and structures which govern his work on the school board, the importance of student stakeholder engagement, the need to support student board members onboard, and how student board members change the dynamic of adult board members interactions. Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

Resources:

Julie’s Substack
My personal Substack
By Julie Corbett, Ed.D.
]]><![CDATA[From fear of public schools to advocating for them with Jocelyn Rhynard ]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/from-fear-of-public-schools-to-advocatinghttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/from-fear-of-public-schools-to-advocatingTue, 03 Feb 2026 11:02:18 GMTJocelyn Rhynard was the apprehensive mom sitting silently (and angrily) in the back of school board meetings, often believing the myths about urban public education. When the 2007 housing crash kept her young family in Dayton (OH), she learned the truth—and it changed her life’s trajectory. We follow her journey from skeptical parent to becoming a board member, and a public education advocate at the state and federal levels. She discusses the power of parent engagement, the profound responsibility of holding a board seat, the necessity of fighting for all students in our public schools, and how code words are used to self-segregate communities. Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

]]><![CDATA[Diving in on methodology and representation with Dr. David Griffith]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/diving-in-on-methodology-and-representationhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/diving-in-on-methodology-and-representationTue, 20 Jan 2026 11:01:44 GMTJoin us for a conversation with Dr. David Griffith from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute as we explore Fordham’s recent report, Who’s on Board? School boards and political representation in an age of conflict. Our discussion pushes each other’s thinking while addressing the challenging landscape of school board research and possible strategies for structural change. We dive into the specific methodological complexities of studying local education governance while highlighting the significant barriers to racial representation on school boards and connections to the teacher pipeline, and how “we” grade the quality of schools. Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

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]]><![CDATA[Building Essential Supports for School Board Members with Ethan Ashley]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/building-supports-for-school-ethan-ashleyhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/building-supports-for-school-ethan-ashleyTue, 06 Jan 2026 11:01:04 GMTIn this episode, we are joined by Ethan Ashley, the co-founder and CEO of School Board Partners. Hear how his personal pathway led to his service as a school board member in Louisiana, which in turn fueled his mission to create a national support system for other board members. We dig into critical challenges facing board members today, including financial literacy, self-care, and how board members often underestimate their own value. Learn about the different types of support available from School Board Partners and what board members across the country still need to succeed. Find the episode on Apple and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

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]]><![CDATA[Better Together - Strengthening Superintendent and School Board Relationships with Dr. Rachel White]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/better-together-strengthening-superintendenthttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/better-together-strengthening-superintendentTue, 16 Dec 2025 11:01:12 GMTJoin us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Rachel White, a third-generation school board member, former board member in a small district in Ohio, and the founder of the Superintendent Lab. As a professor at the University of Texas at Austin specializing in superintendents, district leadership, and education governance, Dr. White brings a unique blend of scholarly research and lived experience to the table. In this episode, we delve into critical topics like the nuances of superintendent recruitment and compensation, how to measure success for district leadership, practical strategies for boards and superintendents to support each other’s professional well-being, and the essential, often delicate, task of clearly defining roles and responsibilities to ensure effective school district leadership. Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

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]]><![CDATA[Translating education and policy experience to board service with Dr. Phelton Moss ]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/translating-education-and-policyhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/translating-education-and-policyTue, 02 Dec 2025 11:03:15 GMTIn this episode, we speak with Dr. Phelton Moss, an Assistant Professor at VCU and a school board member in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A former teacher and principal, Dr Moss shares his journey from education and academia to public service. We discuss the significant challenges of his campaign, which required raising over $70,000, and the vital importance of authentic community engagement. Dr. Moss also reflects on what keeps him motivated to do this difficult but essential work. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of education, policy, and community leadership. Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and Substack under Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards.

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]]><![CDATA[Redistricting, sustainable change, and trust building with Dr. Kim Bridges]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/redistricting-sustainable-changehttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/redistricting-sustainable-changeTue, 18 Nov 2025 11:30:31 GMTDr. Kim Bridges shares her insightful journey onto the Richmond Public Schools school board. In this candid interview, Dr. Bridges explores the often-controversial process of school rezoning and redistricting, offering a unique perspective on the complexities and challenges involved. She delves into the inherent difficulties of sustaining meaningful change within a large public school system, highlighting the many hurdles that can arise even with the best intentions, especially when true community engagement is neglected. Furthermore, Dr. Bridges explores how her personal identities shaped her tenure on the school board, influencing her relationships with colleagues, the community, and her approach to decision-making. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that illuminates the intricate realities of public education leadership.

Resources:

  • Bridges, K., Castro, A., Siegel-Hawley, G. (February 2021). Public Comment Equity: Imbalance of Voices. American School Board Journal. Imbalance of Voices (nsba.org)

  • Castro, A. J., Siegel-Hawley, G., Bridges, K, & Williams, S. E. (2022). Narratives of Race in School Rezoning: How the Politics of Whiteness Shape Belonging, Leadership Decisions, and School Attendance Boundaries. AERA Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584221091274

  • Castro, A., Siegel-Hawley, G., Bridges, K., & Williams, S. E. (2023). Drawn Into Policy: A Systematic Review of School Rezoning Rationales, Processes, and Outcomes. Review of Educational Research, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543231195816

  • Collins, J. (2021). Should School Boards Be in Charge? The Effects of Exposure to Participatory and Deliberative School Board Meetings. Peabody Journal of Education, 96(3), 341–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2021.1943239

  • Siegel-Hawley, G., Castro, A. J., Bridges, K., & Taylor, K. (2021). Race and School Rezoning Criteria. Contexts, 20(3), 72–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/15365042211035348

  • Siegel-Hawley, G., Castro, A., Bridges, K., & Wilson, T. (2023). School Rezoning for Integration. Integration and Equity 2.0: New and Reinvigorated Approaches to School Integration, American Institutes for Research. https://www.air.org/integration-and-equity-2-0-essays

]]><![CDATA[Beyond the Ballot Civic Power with Secretary Thomas ]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/beyond-the-ballot-civic-power-withhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/beyond-the-ballot-civic-power-withTue, 04 Nov 2025 11:31:14 GMTJoin us for a compelling conversation with CT’s Secretary of State, Stephanie Thomas, as we explore the essential pillars of a thriving democracy. This episode goes beyond election-day headlines, diving into voter turnout and reimagining civic education and engagement programs to better inform all community members about how local government works.The Secretary offers candid insights into her own journey in public service, sharing how she navigated the personal challenge of imposter syndrome and offering advice to new candidates. Finally, we discuss tangible ways to empower community members in local government, emphasizing that true civic power is found not just at the polls, but in sustained, local engagement and helping every citizen recognize their own capacity to drive change. Tune in for an inspiring look at how to build a more engaged and confident citizenry.

]]><![CDATA[Consulting the board & racial identity politics with Versha Munshi-South ]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/consulting-the-board-and-racial-identityhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/consulting-the-board-and-racial-identityTue, 21 Oct 2025 10:30:09 GMTStamford Public Schools (CT) school board member and education leadership coach Versha Munshi-South joins us to talk about the difference between campaigning and serving, quirky rules like minority representation, public meeting laws, and FOIA. Her experience as an education consultant supported Versha’s work on the board improving systems and practices, while her roles as a mom and a racial minority impacted both her campaign and service. As her term ends, she’s thinking about how to improve the systems and structures for those who will serve after her.

Resources:

School Board Partners | Governance Education & Empowerment. (2025). School Board Partners. https://schoolboardpartners.org/

Gov, O., D’ambrose, S., & Proto, J. (2017). Minority Representation on Municipal Boards. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/rpt/pdf/2017-r-0344.pdf

School+State Finance Project. https://schoolstatefinance.org/

]]><![CDATA[Politicization, threats, mascots, and building support networks with Dr. Leslie Rasmussen]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/politicization-threats-mascots-andhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/politicization-threats-mascots-andTue, 07 Oct 2025 10:31:41 GMTDr. Leslie Rasmussen offers a compelling look at how the increasing politicization of school boards profoundly affected her tenure in a suburban Ohio community. She recounts the challenges to her board service, professional career, and even the security of her family, all set against a backdrop of significant events like COVID-19 social distancing, the Black Lives Matter movement, heated debates around critical race theory, and a divisive community controversy concerning a mascot with Native American imagery. Dr. Rasmussen also highlights her research on messaging strategies and astroturf attacks, and her pivotal role in facilitating the School Board Alliance with Honesty for Ohio Education, a crucial initiative that provides a network for support and professional development to student-centered, equity-focused, value-aligned school board members across Ohio.

Resources:

New Survey Results Confirm School Board Officials at High Risk of Threats and Harassment. (2024). Bridging Divides Initiative. https://bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/updates/2024/new-survey-results-confirm-school-board-officials-high-risk-threats-and-harassment

School Board Alliance. (2025). Honesty for Ohio Education. https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/school-board-alliance.html

Understanding Threats and Harassment to Local Officials. (n.d.). Bridging Divides Initiative. https://bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/UnderstandingThreats

]]><![CDATA[Exploring the role of school boards and training pipelines with Elisa Hoffman]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/exploring-the-role-of-school-boardshttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/exploring-the-role-of-school-boardsTue, 16 Sep 2025 10:30:44 GMT

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This podcast features an interview with Elisa Hoffman, a former Cincinnati School Board member and the visionary founder of School Board School. We discuss common misconceptions about the role of school board members and dive deep on civic engagement, exploring various pathways individuals can take to become advocates and serve their communities. The conversation highlights the significance of public comment in local governance and offers practical advice on how community members can effectively utilize this often-underestimated tool, and how districts can better support authentic community engagement. We engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the role of philanthropy in strengthening grassroots advocacy and public service, examining how charitable organizations can better support and empower individuals dedicated to this vital work. Tune in to learn how to make your voice heard and contribute meaningfully to your local community.

Show notes:

  • Collins, J. (2021). Should School Boards Be in Charge? The Effects of Exposure to Participatory and Deliberative School Board Meetings. Peabody Journal of Education, 96(3), 341–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2021.1943239

  • S-BYE (School Board and Youth Engagement Lab), Teachers College, Columbia University, https://www.tc.columbia.edu/sbye/

  • School Board School, https://www.schoolboardschool.org/

]]><![CDATA[An unplanned step – Transitioning from advocate to board member with Diana Carpio]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/an-unplanned-step-transitioning-fromhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/an-unplanned-step-transitioning-fromTue, 02 Sep 2025 10:30:49 GMTWelcome to the first episode where we connect with Diana Carpio, from Norwalk, CT. Diana has served six years on the board, including three as board chair. She’s served through some tumultuous times, including the COVID pandemic. In this episode, we explore her personal pathway to office, how her identity as the sole Latina board member in a heavily Latine/x community impacts her service, community engagement, and transparency. Diana discusses her efforts to bridge the gap between the school board and the community, emphasizing the importance of open communication and transparency in building trust.

Show notes:

  • Ashley, E., & Douglass, C. (2022). Empty seats at powerful tables: The state of school boards in America. School Board Partners. https://issuu.com/schoolboardpartners/docs/sbp_emptyseats_digital

  • Fraga, L., & Elis, R. (2009). Interests and representation: Ethnic advocacy on California school boards. Teachers College Record, 111(3), 659–682. https://doi.org/10.1177/016146810911100304

  • Fraga, L., Krimm, D., Neiman, M., & Reyes, B. (2010). Examining Latino representation on California’s school boards: Their impact on perceptions about district problems, priorities and policies. Public Policy Institute of California.

  • Kogan, V., Lavertu, S., & Peskowitz, Z. (2021). How does minority political representation affect school district administration and student outcomes? American Journal of Political Science, 65(3), 699–716. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajps.12587

  • Kogan, V., Lavertu, S., & Peskowitz, Z. (2021). The democratic deficit in U.S. education governance. American Political Science Review, 115(3), 1082–1089. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055421000162

  • Marschall, M. (2005). Minority incorporation and local school boards. In W. G. Howell (Ed.), Besieged (pp. 173–198). Brookings Institution Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7864/j.ctt127xjr.11

  • Meier, K. J., Juenke, E. G., Wrinkle, R. D., & Polinard, J. L. (2005). Structural choices and representational biases: The post-election color of representation. American Journal of Political Science, 49(4), 758–768. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5907.2005.00153.x

  • Meier, K. J., Polinard, J. L., & Wrinkle, R. D. (2000). Micheal Giles and Mancur Olson meet Vincent Ostrom: Jurisdiction size and Latino representation. Social Science Quarterly, 81(1), 123–135.

]]><![CDATA[Seats of Change: The Future of School Boards Trailer]]>https://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/seats-of-change-the-future-of-school-fafhttps://seatsofchange.substack.com/p/seats-of-change-the-future-of-school-fafMon, 30 Jun 2025 17:30:49 GMTSeats of Change: The Future of School Boards – Explores the crucial role of local governance through the lens of school boards. Through insightful interviews with current and former school board members, researchers, and practitioners, we highlight their experiences campaigning, serving, and driving equity, and reveal how their work at the grassroots level builds the foundation of our democracy. Follow us on Substack https://seatsofchange.substack.com or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seatsofchange/.

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